Off The Shelf

For the last week or so, each night, I have been drawn to the couch to continue turning the pages of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. About two years ago, I read this entire series from beginning to end in the short time of September to Christmas. For a recent school assignment, I was asked to pick a book off of the "Banned Book List". This list is full of titles that were challenged by people and/or organzations because they felt the content was not appropriate for teenage readers. I was very surprised to find that the entire Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling is on that list. The series was challenged because it was thought to promote Witchcraft. I disagree with this of course (since I am one othe thousands of Harry Potter Lovers), but many people do believe these books should be taken off library shelves. The following is a list of The Top 10 Banned Books: 1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin , Mark Twain 2. The Catcher and the Rye, J.D Salinger 3...

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley Ann Rinaldi 324 pages I am a big fan of historical fiction; especially books that center around the Colonial Era. Ann Rinaldi is known for her historical fiction novels including; The Fifth of March , Taking Liberty , and Or Give Me Death. Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons is the unknown story of Phillis Wheatley and her life as the first women African-American poet. Phillis was one of several slaves at the Wheatley House in Boston, MA. When the Wheatley's discover her talent for writing poetry, they begin to mold her future by having her "perform" for important guests. Eventually, Phillis is sent to England to have her first book of poetry published. Although Phillis is adorned with fame, she is still troubled with her way of life. Nothing can change the fact that she is still a slave. This book is written through Phillis's voice, and dates help form a vivid timeline of her life. Ann Rin...

The Teashop Girls Laura Schaefer 240 pages The Official Rules of the Teashop Girls 1. Teashop Girls are best friends forever. 2. Tea is held every week no matter what. 3. All tea and scones must be split equally at all times. In Laura Schaefer's debut novel, Annie, Genna and Zoe are the best of friends, or used to be. As Annie gets a job as a barista at her grandmother's teashop, Genna is always at theater, and Zoe is busy with tennis, the girls begin to wonder how much longer they can stay together. Suddenly, The Steeping Leaf receives an eviction notice, and the shop might have to close for good if the girls can't help make the place "hopping" with customers again. While working at the shop, Annie quickly develops a crush on her co-worker, and as eighth grade comes to a close, new adventures arise. This book is honest and sweet; perfect for the young teenager.  The characters are so real and relateable, I would want to have friends ...

Ways to Live Forever Sally Nicholls 224 pages 1. My name is Sam. 2. I am eleven years old. 3. I collect stories and fantastic facts. 4. I have leukemia 5. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead. Told through journal entries, Sam tells the story of his life as he lives through the last stages of leukemia. He collects lists, stories, questions and pictures that create a vivid picture of a boy who knows his days are coming to an end. Some questions of Sam's include: "Why does God make kids get ill?" and "Does it hurt to die?" he tries to find the answers to the questions with his fellow leukemia sufferer, Felix. The two are home schooled, due to their illness, and their teacher challenges them to write about themselves. While Felix writes one entry and forgets about it, Sam keeps writing, using this journal as a way of expressing his concerns and triumphs. In his journal, Sam also explains how his illness affects the rest of his family. ...